Liberian president Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has officially nominated Associate Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay to serve as Liberia’s next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
The announcement, made by the Executive Mansion on Monday, comes in accordance with the constitutional powers granted to the President under Article 54(c) of the 1986 Constitution, which authorized the appointment of the Chief Justice, Associate Justices, and Judges of Subordinate Courts.
Justice Gbeisay’s nomination follows the recent retirement of Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh, who reached the constitutional retirement age of 70 on June 26, 2025. Article 72(b) of the Constitution stipulates that justices must retire upon reaching that age.
In his nomination letter to the Liberian Senate, President Boakai described Justice Gbeisay as a “distinguished jurist” with a record of “exemplary integrity, profound legal acumen, and commitment to upholding the rule of law and the Constitution.” The President emphasized that Gbeisay’s appointment would ensure stability and continuity in the judicial system at a critical time for the country.
President Boakai further called on the Honorable Liberian Senate to act swiftly in confirming the nomination, underscoring the urgency of filling the vacancy in the Supreme Court’s leadership.
Justice Gbeisay, if confirmed, will bring a wealth of judicial experience to the post. A longtime member of the Supreme Court bench, he is widely respected in legal circles for his independence, fairness, and dedication to constitutional principles.
The nomination will now spark discussions among legal professionals and political observers as Gbeisay awaits his confirmation by the Liberian senate in the coming days.
President Boakai urged all public officials to remain committed to serving Liberia with integrity, diligence, professionalism, and loyalty.
Bio:
Born on May 3, 1959, in Gompa City, Nimba County, Associate Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay is a 1979 alumnus of the Dolo Memorial High School in Saniquellie City.
Education:
The nominee for Chief Justice, Associate Justice Gbeissay, holds a “B” Certificate in Language Art and Social Studies from the Kakata Rural Teacher’s Training Institute (KRTTI) in 1983. The incoming Chief Justice also holds a B.A. in Public Administration in 1988. He obtained a Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) from UL’s Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law in 1998. Justice Gbeisay was admitted as a Counselor-At-Law in 2002.
Non-Legal Expertise:
1) Language Arts Teacher, MCSS: 1984–1989
2) Research Analyst, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 1989–1990
3) Director of Claims and Benefits, NASSCORP: 1996–1999
Legal Expertise:
1) Legal Counsel, Ministry of Labor: 2001–2003
2) Legal Counsel, National Elections Commission: 2003–2005
3) Managing Partner, Tiala Law Associates: 2005–2009
4) Legal Consultant, Ministry of Justice: 2009–2014
5) Relieving Judge: 2015–2022
6) Associate Justice: 2022–Present
7) Nominated Chief Justice: June 30, 2025
Appointment:
In accordance with Article 54(c) of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai nominated Associate Justice Gbeisay to succeed retired Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh who turned 70 years on June 26, 2025, and had to exit in line with Article 72(b) which sets an age limit of 70 for judges.
Retirement:
Associate Justice Gbeisay is already 66 years old. Exactly from today, June 30, 2025, Judge has 3 years, 11 months, and 1 day to retire. So, what date will Justice Gbeisay retire as Chief Justice if confirmed any time this year? He has up to May 3, 2029, to retire if confirmed, which is 1,431 days from now.
